For years, Granite has been an affordable and widely used material used in many Kitchen and Bathroom Countertop Projects. The look of Stone is often a luxurious and sought-after look by homeowners, but did you know that Granite Countertops could make you SICK? From natural contaminants to mold and fungus growing under the surface, Granite Countertops have been known to cause common illnesses and facilitate the growth of infectious germs.
Granite Countertops Make Unsanitary Food Preparation Surfaces
Countertops are the workspace of the Kitchen. From chopping vegetables to making cookies, your Kitchen Granite Countertops see a lot of action. But did you know that your Granite Countertops are major carriers of germs that can lead to foodborne illnesses? Granite Countertops, due to their Porous Nature, absorb bacteria and pathogens, letting them grow and fester right under your nose! Even Bleach can’t fully penetrate Granite and kill everything. Serious Infections can occur, and Granite Countertops contribute to the growth and spread of pathogens like E.coli, Salmonella, Hepatitis A, and Norovirus.
Mold & Fungus Risks with Granite Countertops
In some older homes, Contractors and Countertops Installers alike have gutted Kitchens and Bathrooms and found Mold growing underneath the Granite Countertops.Mold would extend into the top layer of the wood of the cabinetry and the walls behind it. Mold has also been known to show up near the glue/caulk that is used to install Granite Countertops, due to the softer nature of the adhesive.The EPA recommends replacing any absorbent materials that come into contact with Mold, Including Porous Granite Countertops. Mold has also been known to penetrate the stone and grow in the crevices and cracks of Granite Countertops.
According to the CDC, “molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions.
Granite Countertops and Low Immune System Patients
Granite Countertops are not recommended for people who are immune compromised. Granite countertops harbor far too many germs, pathogens, and naturally emitting gases for anyone with severe illness or Immunity Issues. Mold, Radon, and even Dust can cause serious infections in the lungs of a Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, AIDS, Lupus, or Lung Cancer Patients. Hospitals only use materials that are poreless and sanitary, including Stainless Steel, Acrylic, and Quartz.
Quartz Countertops, Sanitary Worktops for every Kitchen, Guaranteed
Quartz Countertops are used nationwide is America’s Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Hotels, as well as Residential Kitchens. Quartz Countertops are the ONLY truly Sanitary Option for Kitchen Countertops. Quartz Countertops are Non-Porous, meaning that nothing can absorb or penetrate into the countertop material and cause mold growth, or the spread of harmful germs and infections. Quartz Countertops are Anti-Microbial and impervious to germs and stains.
NSF Certified Countertops
Cambria Quartz Countertops, an American-Made brand of Quartz, is an NSF 51 certified Food Safe Preparation Material. NSF 51 Certification “Establishes minimum public health and sanitation requirements for materials used in the construction of commercial food equipment. The requirements are based on U.S. FDA regulations.”
Why Buy Quartz Countertops
Quartz Countertops are not only a safe and healthy option for your home, they’re also stylish and extremely durable as well. Quartz Countertops are made of 93% Crushed Quartz, as well as 7% Binders and Pigment. As stated above, Quartz Countertops are Non-Porous and inhibit the growth of germs and infectious pathogens. With a Wide Variety of Colors and Patterns, there’s a Quartz Color for Every Kitchen and Bathroom Project.
Buying Quartz Countertops
At International Granite and Stone, We Make It Easy to Get New Kitchen or Bathroom Countertops. Shop Online, Schedule a Free In-Home Estimate or Visit one of our Cambria Quartz Premier Galleries. Featuring: Quartz Slabs, Kitchen and Bathroom Displays, Samples and More. With over 17 years in the Countertop Industry, International Granite and Stone will get your job done right, guaranteed.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm
http://www.nsf.org/newsroom_pdf/water_nsf_ansi_51_and_61.pdf
https://www.radon.com/radon_facts/
https://www.epa.gov/radiation/granite-countertops-and-radiation
